5 Recruits In The 2026 Class Who Can Put The State On Notice

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're looking ahead to the 2026 class today. With that, we've got 5 incredibly talented players who could put the entire state on notice with what they can do on a football field. All 5 of these guys had big falls and are trending in the right direction, on and off the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='164410' first='Jacob' last='Davis'] - New Palestine - QB - 6'2" 170lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fresh off of a transferring from Ohio and starting as a Freshman, Davis has the New Pal area pretty excited about things to come. Last season, they were 1 game short of another state championship appearance where they lost to eventual state champs, East Central. I bring this up because their QB play last season was up and down. If Davis had been a Dragon then, things may have turned out differently for them. The raw arm talent, frame, and dual-threat ability he brings to the table all have him on a trajectory to be a perennial recruit. He's able to make those off-platform/sidearm throws as well as set his feet in the pocket and launch a dime downfield. He's a straight-line thrower who can drop it over the shoulder but best when firing to a spot. He can throw with anticipation and doesn't panic in the pocket. While he can throw the out route and downfield, his arm strength is still developing, as are most parts of his game. However, where he is right now is way ahead of most guys. When things break down, he'll take off and pick up positive yardage. If Davis can develop the way you hope, he could be a top recruit in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter:<strong> @JacobDavisOH</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1170567' first='Benjamin' last='Novak'] - Andrean - OL - 6'6" 320lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're over in Merrillville and it's sunny then suddenly you're standing in the shade, just ask Novak to take a step to the left. I joke, but the point is we've got one of the more impressive young recruits in the state and for obvious reasons. He towers over everyone on the field and knows how to use his frame to his advantage. Unlike some other tall guys, Novak is fairly nimble and has no issue bending. He even rotated in some at DT this year whenever they need someone to help plug the running game. However, I think everyone understands his calling is on the offensive side of the ball. This year they moved him all over upfront. Anytime they needed to move someone around, Novak was able to be shifted and could play on the left, on the right, on the inside, and on the outside. Driving defenders straight into the ground in the running game clearing his gap and then being able to drop back with footwork clearly being worked on gives you a quick glimpse of what he can do and 2 more reasons why he was nominated an IFCA All-State player this year. If Novak continues to develop and hammers the weight room, he'll be one of the most dominant recruits in the state and a perennial recruit known across the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@BenjaminNovak07</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1170568' first='DaMeon' last='Hogue'] - Bishop Luers - DB - 6'0" 160lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As one of the key defensive pieces who just helped guide the Luers to another state championship, Hogue has put the state on notice. Having a 6'0" Safety who flies all over the field making play after play and seeing things develop before they happen goes a long way for defenses. Plus, it does a lot to hamper the opposing offense, and Hogue is that guy for Bishop Luers. His anticipation of the ball coming out and seeing routes develop is pretty good. He watches the QB's eyes and does a good job breaking on the ball as well as laying a good hit. He's not a DB who comes up and tries the ole shoulder check assuming that will get the guy down. He breaks them down, attacks the outside hip, and does a good job wrapping up. It's not often you see Safeties come out and have this level of production, especially their first year starting. 101 tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 interceptions, 5 passes deflected, and a forced fumble is what he put up on the year. The truth be told, it would likely be a bit more if the opposing offenses could score. They held the opposing offenses below 10 points in 7 of their 8 final games of the year, including only 3 to North Posey in the State Championship, who averaged 38 PPG heading into that game. Hogue is talented, checks quite a few boxes, and is going to be a DB that takes off soon in recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@_DeeHogue12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='749509' first='Shawn' last='Curry'] - Avon - WR - 5'11" 150lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quickly developing into a playmaker for Avon and an issue for defenses is the speedy WR with a ton of talent. His ball skills are fantastic and he's able to make some catches you don't think he should. His freshman year, he made one of the most impressive Odell-esk catches you'll ever see. Since then, he's only improved. Not just as an athlete, but in his route work. He's quickly developing the route tree and you could see it helping it elevate his game. Instead of being a straight-line receiver, he started forcing DBs to be able to cover all of their angles. He'll get behind the DB and snap off in the opposite direction leaving them hanging. This past season, he had a small breakout. His best game of the year was the playoff game against Pike. had his first 5+ catch, 100+ yard, and 1+ TD game. That was also the first time he led them in receiving yards, and they just so happened to match their season high in points. I'm not saying Curry is the sole reason, but he certainly helped. Having a guy who can take the top off of a defense and come down with an unbelievable catch is always a great option for any offense, and Curry is that guy for Avon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@ShawnCurry26</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1170569' first='Mason' last='Ford'] - Franklin Community - OL - 5'9" 250lbs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helping to anchor the line from the center for Franklin Community and getting better by the week is Ford. He's a compact player who has a great center of gravity and drives defenders down the field play after play. He's a high-motor guy and will bust his tail to get 15 yards downfield to make the block. He does a good job scanning in pass protection and gaining depth. When he's not being attacked 1 on 1, he does a good job reinforcing the man next to him who needs the help. He's able to come straight downhill in the running game and then set his feet and redirect a defensive lineman in the passing game. He's nimble, good on the move, and a guy you can have leading screens and getting downfield to be a lead blocker. Heading into his upperclassman years, I'd like to see him put some weight on in the weight room, but even where he is right now, he's a good player. Ford is developing and if he continues trending upwards, he'll have no issue finding a home down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Twitter: <strong>@MasonFord65</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->